The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a precarious position as their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, suffers from yet another concussion, raising concerns about his immediate and long-term health. With at least three concussions in the past two years, the focus should be on Tagovailoa's well-being rather than the future of the franchise.

Head coach Mike McDaniel, visibly tired from the loss to the Buffalo Bills, tried to handle questions about Tagovailoa's condition with respect. He emphasized that Tagovailoa's opinion, coupled with expert advice from neuroscientists, would be the driving force behind any decisions regarding his playing time.

However, the Dolphins face serious trouble if Tagovailoa is unable to play again this season, or potentially ever. With the franchise's significant investment in the young quarterback, the team's trajectory for success may come into question.

Despite the suboptimal situation, McDaniel confirmed that the process of adding another quarterback to the roster has already begun. Skylar Thompson is expected to step in as the starter, with journeyman Tim Boyle likely to be promoted from the practice squad. The team expresses confidence in Thompson, but they are also evaluating other options to ensure the best outcome for the team.

Several notable free agent names are being considered, including Ryan Tannehill, who has a Pro Bowl on his resume and is known for his accuracy and athleticism. However, his recent performance decline with the Tennessee Titans may be a deterrent for the Dolphins.

The prospect of retiring prematurely is not new for Tagovailoa, who previously experienced a concussion while playing for Alabama in college. The uncertainty surrounding his future raises questions about the Dolphins' ability to find a suitable replacement. While there are veterans and promising young passers available in the free-agent market, none of them seem capable of filling Tagovailoa's shoes.

Looking ahead to next year's draft class, the Dolphins may find a potential replacement through the draft. However, there is no clear generational talent on the horizon. This means that Miami, a team built to win now, may not have to make a significant trade or pay a high price to secure a new quarterback.

The nightmare scenario occurs if Tagovailoa wants to continue playing, but the Dolphins believe it may not be in his best interest. Releasing a player signed to a massive extension like Tagovailoa would incur a significant dead cap hit, resulting in an expensive and unexpected divorce between the team and the quarterback.

In addition, considering a rebuild or pursuing a trade for an accomplished veteran passer would prove challenging. The Dolphins' most attractive assets, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both signed extensions that would result in substantial cap hits if traded. Moving younger players with lower cap figures could be a more viable option, but it would still leave gaps in the team's roster.

Ultimately, the main focus should be on Tagovailoa's health and ensuring his well-being for a happy and successful personal life. If his career can be safely extended, it would be an added bonus. However, the uncertain future of Tagovailoa raises concerns about the Dolphins' ability to maintain their competitive edge.